Run Oregon receives and tests running shoes from time to time. This is our second post (initial impressions in the men’s shoe can be found here) about the GEL-Cumulus 23 from ASICS.
Aesthetically, the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23 we reviewed are pure black, making them an excellent footwear choice for sneaking around late at night, creating a functional Halloween costume as Peter Pan’s shadow, or (most probably) for their intended purpose of running far distances comfortably. If your running wardrobe has a more colorful palate, the GEL-Cumulus 23 comes in eight different shades, if Aqua Angel or Pink Salt better match your attire.
I tend to prefer a lighter shoe with a cushier heel, so I had initial reservations, but I was quickly won over by how the GEL-Cumulus 23 felt. These shoes are true to size, and the mesh kept my feet cool even as temperatures are rising. After a few short runs to break them in, I tested these out on an 8 mile run on asphalt, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked running in them. The Ortholite Eco insoles were an added bonus, and my run was fueled by the added moral superiority of knowing these insoles were made with 12% bio-oil content, meaning each step of my miles of running was leaving a lower carbon footprint.
(Editors Note: We will add that for those looking for more cushion, these may not be entirely what you are looking for. We are not long time GEL-Cumulus wearers/testers, but reviews on their site vary widely surrounding the changes in this version.)
Throughout my run, I felt comfortable and supported without feeling weighed down or overheated. We all know that running in a variety of shoes helps promote balance and prevent injury, and after several successful runs, and as such the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23 are a welcome addition to my training shoe rotation.
Company: ASICS
Shoe: GEL-Cumulus 23 (Women’s)
Price: $120
Specs (from ASICS Website):
- Heel Drop – 10mm
- Heel Height – 22 mm
- Forefoot Height – 12 mm
- Weight – 8.1 oz (US women’s size 7)
- Support – Neutral
- Cushion – Extra
